Upcoming Events

Date

Event

April 10th – 13th

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival
9th Annual! Enjoy the Grand Wine tasting, lots of seminars with great topics, wine makers’ dinners, concerts and much more! From the Uncork! the Festival party on Wednesday to the Champagne brunches on Sunday, you'll find great fun and entertainment each day of the festival.
Click here for more information

April 11th – 13th

Kiss Me Kate at the Schaefer Center
Combine Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew with the music of Cole Porter and you get Kiss Me, Kate! A play-within-a-play, each cast member’s on-stage life is complicated by what is happening offstage.
Click here for more information

April 11th – 13th

Opening Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, will welcome their first guests of the 2014 season on Friday, April 11th The 58th season at Tweetsie hosts an array of special events and family favorites throughout the year.
Click here for more information

MerleFest 2014
The Music of MerleFest was best explained by Doc himself: "When Merle and I started out we called our music 'traditional plus,' meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is 'traditional plus'."
Click here for more information

Feb 25th

Sugar Mountain Hiking and Biking trails open
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra has celebrated 40 years of making internationally renowned music while reinventing the way the world thinks about musical collaboration, education and outreach.
Click here for more information

May 1st

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Hiking and biking trails intertwine throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain. Trail access is free of charge May through October during daylight hours. Trail maps are located in a black, marked mailbox at the base of the Flying Mile slope.
Click here for more information

May 5th –May 8th and May 13th – 14th

Letterland Days at Tweetsie Railroad
View Tweetsie Railroad during our Letterland Days to see your favorite Letterland characters come to life! From Talking Tess’s Train to Eddie Elephant’s Gem Mine, each area of the park is an opportunity for children to learn and play!
Click here for more information

May 16th – 18th

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend
The Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain. Join us for three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of the mountain.
Click here for more information

May 30th – June 1st

Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend
Learn from top nature photographers and photograph nature at its best on Grandfather Mountain. Presentations are planned in the evenings, while participants photograph spectacular scenery and native animals during the day.
Click here for more information

June 1st – June 16th

Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble on Grandfather Mountain
Join Grandfather Mountain for special programs designed to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of Catawba rhododendron blooming up the mountain's slopes in early summer. Staff naturalists offer programs and guided walks daily at 1 p.m. June 1-16. All events are included in the price of admission.
Click here for more information

June 6th – 15th

Day out with Thomas at Tweetsie Railroad
Join Thomas for a 25 minute ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy storytelling, live music, building with mega bloks and much much more!
Click here for more information

June 7th

Grandfather Mountain Critter Crawl
The third annual Critter Crawl 5K starts in MacRae Meadows and gains more than 900 feet in elevation as it climbs Grandfather Mountain to end at the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The $35 entry fee includes a Critter Crawl T-shirt, parking pass and free day pass to return June 8-July 31, 2014. All proceeds directly benefit the Grandfather Mountain animal habitats.
Click here for more information

June 18th

Birthday Party at Grandfather Mountain Habitats
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants. Events are included with park admission.
Click here for more information

June 22nd

90th Annual Singing on the Mountain
Thousands gather annually for this all-day outdoor gospel sing and fellowship featuring a sermon from evangelist Leighton Ford. Music from top gospel groups begins at 8:30 a.m., and many families bring lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy the event. Camping (without RV hookups) is available on the field on a first come, first served basis. The event is free according to the longstanding motto: "Whosoever will may come."
Click here for more information

June 27th – 29th

SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick at Tweetsie Railroad
Jumping Jellyfish! You can meet with SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick at Tweetsie.
Click here for more information

June 27th

Red Leg Husky and The Monoroebots at Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

June 27th

Brother Gravity at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

June 27th

Fat Face Band, Liz Hayes, and Common Threads at Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

June 27th

Red Leg Husky and The Monoroebots at Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

July 3rd

Pilobolus at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1971, Pilobolus has built its fervent and expanding international following by showing the human body to be the most expressive, universal and magical of media. Pilobolus maintains its own singular style, evolving interplay with shapeshifting, shadowplay and other explorations, while actively collaborating with the best and brightest minds from all conceivable professions the world over. The results of these collaborations has proven amazing feats can be achieved, and Pilobolus has been recognized for its developments in dance and multimedia art. Based in Washington Depot, Connecticut, in recent years Pilobolus has transformed from avant-garde dance company into an international entertainment brand featured on the likes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and the Academy Awards. The company has explored worlds as disparate as advertising, publishing, film, and music videos (Pilobolus was nominated for a 2012 Grammy® Award for the video for OK Go’s “All Is Not Lost”). Pilobolus achieves all this without ever losing sight of their core mission: to make art that builds community.
Click here for more information

July 4th

Fireworks at Tweetsie Railroad
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Admission charged.
Click here for more information

July 4th

Westglow Resort & Spa July 4th Extravaganza with Sophie B. Hawkins and BETTY
We are honored to welcome back two extraordinary talents to the Westglow stage! Join the fun and celebrate
Independence Day with spectacular food, phenomenal performances and an unbeatable fireworks display.
Click here for more information

July 4th

Watauga Community Band at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

July 5th

An Evening with Michael McDonald
Two notes. That’s all it takes to recognize the voice of Michael McDonald. His formidable songwriting and keyboard skills and distinctive and soulful voice has contributed to his career that spans four decades. From The Doobie Brothers classics such as “What A Fool Believes” and “Takin’ It To The Streets” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin’” through two highly-acclaimed Motown covers albums, the five-time Grammy-winning McDonald is an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving.
Click here for more information

July 11th

57th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

July 11th

The Sheets Family Band at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

July 10th -13th

57th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra has celebrated 40 years of making internationally renowned music while reinventing the way the world thinks about musical collaboration, education and outreach.
Click here for more information

July 11th – 12th

2014 MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove
MusicFest has had a close association with Deep Gap native Doc Watson since its inception in 1997. The much admired flat-picking guitarist performed at the inaugural MusicFest and headlined many times in following years. Doc’s wife Rosa Lee was often in the audience. Following the loss of both Doc and Rosa Lee Watson in 2012, the organizers of MusicFest sought to honor them by renaming the festival the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove.
Click here for more information

July 11th – 13th

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy at Tweetsie Railroad
Come meet Scooby-Doo and Shaggy at Tweetsie, enjoy special appearances all weekend.
Click here for more information

July 12th

Matthew Morrison
From Broadway to Glee, Matthew Morrison performs some of Broadway’s greatest hits alongside the Greensboro Symphony. Morrison is an Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe-nominated star, achieving recognition from the Satellite Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards with titles such as Best Actor in a Series and Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical.
Click here for more information

The Worthless Son-in-Laws Band at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

July 18th

The Making of a Ballet Dancer
An informal presentation on the art and science of classical dancing, "The Making of A Dancer" is a fun and accessible introduction to ballet. Specific exercises that develop jumping, turning, partnering, lifting and dancing on pointe are demonstrated and explained. Excerpts from Dance Theatre of Harlem’s eclectic repertoire conclude the show.
Click here for more information

July 18th

Andy Ferrell, Oncoming Train, and Carolina Crossing at Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

July 18th

Folk and Dagger at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

July 18th

The Making of a Ballet Dancer
An informal presentation on the art and science of classical dancing, "The Making of A Dancer" is a fun and accessible introduction to ballet. Specific exercises that develop jumping, turning, partnering, lifting and dancing on pointe are demonstrated and explained. Excerpts from Dance Theatre of Harlem’s eclectic repertoire conclude the show.
Click here for more information

July 19th – 27th

K-9 Frisbee Dogs at Tweetsie Railroad
For nine days, Tweetsie Railroad will host K-9’s in Flight Frisbee Dogs. Don’t Miss these high-energy performances showcasing a team of dynamic dogs in the acrobatic freestyle routines. These dogs have dazzled audiences nationwide at half-time shows and on television.
Click here for more information

July 19th – 27th

K-9 Frisbee Dogs at Tweetsie Railroad
For nine days, Tweetsie Railroad will host K-9’s in Flight Frisbee Dogs. Don’t Miss these high-energy performances showcasing a team of dynamic dogs in the acrobatic freestyle routines. These dogs have dazzled audiences nationwide at half-time shows and on television.
Click here for more information

July 20th

Songs Without Words
The Broyhill Chamber Ensemble is an extraordinary association of internationally acclaimed musicians which, in association with Nine Circles Chamber Theatre and its international Reflections series, presents an alternative to the conventional approach to chamber music programming.
Click here for more information

July 22nd

Songs Without Words
The Broyhill Chamber Ensemble is an extraordinary association of internationally acclaimed musicians which, in association with Nine Circles Chamber Theatre and its international Reflections series, presents an alternative to the conventional approach to chamber music programming.
Click here for more information

July 22nd - 27th

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Hunter & Jumper I
Come see our facility, shop our vendors, and enjoy a beautiful mountain spring, feel the cool summer breezes and marvel at the finest display of show horses in America.
Click here for more information

July 24th

Sheryl Crow
Nine-time Grammy award-winner, Sheryl Crow, has released nine studio albums throughout her career. With top hits such as “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “All I Wanna Do,” “Soak Up the Sun,” “Easy,” and her collaborative hit with Kid Rock, “Picture,” Crow has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. Her most recent album, Feels like Home, is Crow’s first country album, inspired by her childhood in Kennett, MO and current home of Nashville, TN.
Click here for more information

July 25th

The Lucky Strikes Classic Jazz Band at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

July 25th

Cathy Fink & Macy Marxer, Kelley & the Cowboys at Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

July 29th – August 3rd

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Hunter & Jumper II
Come see our facility, shop our vendors, and enjoy a beautiful mountain spring, feel the cool summer breezes and marvel at the finest display of show horses in America.
Click here for more information

August 1st

8 Miles Apart at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

August 1st

Amantha Mill, Jazz Guitar Duo with Page & Schaller Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

August 8th

TThe Major Sevens at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

August 8th

Never Too Late Bluegrass & Williams and Company Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

Dashboard Hula Boys at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

August 16th

Art in the Park
Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. 52 years after its start, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.
Click here for more information

August 15st

Shane Chalke’s Be Jazz Band & Todd Wright Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

August 22nd

Zephyr Lightening Bolts Old Time Band Boys at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

August 22nd

Steve Katz Concerts at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

August 29nd

Red June at Music in the Valle
Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Click here for more information

August 29nd

David Cilders & Dashboard Hula Boys at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

September 5th

Lazy Birds & Sound Traveler at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

September 6th

Kidfest on Grandfather Mountain
Kidfest is a day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina mountains through fun and entertaining activities at Grandfather Mountain. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and other events are included with park admission.
Click here for more information

September 6th

Kidfest on Grandfather Mountain
Kidfest is a day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina mountains through fun and entertaining activities at Grandfather Mountain. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and other events are included with park admission.
Click here for more information

September 6th – 7th

Railfest Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad
Celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives behind Tweetsie’s historic coal-fired steam locomotives. Special attractions for rail fans, plus Cherokee dancers and crafts from the Tsa-La-Gi Touring Program will offer a glimpse into the area’s heritage. Enjoy all the Wild West adventures Tweetsie has to offer!
Click here for more information

September 12th

Local Traditions Show Case at the Jones House
The Watauga County Arts Council’s Concerts on the Lawn series is custom-made for anyone who loves live music, gathering with old and new friends, or finding out what’s going on that weekend.
Click here for more information

September 13th

Girl Scout Day at Grandfather Mountain
All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free to Grandfather Mountain for the 44th Annual Girl Scout Day. Staff naturalists will provide programs throughout the day. Learn about the birds, trees and habitat animals while enjoying guided hikes.
Click here for more information

Friday and Saturday nights beginning on September 26th – October 31st.

Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Admission includes all the nighttime events in the park including the ride on the Ghost Train, Trick-or-Treating for the kids, Haunted House, Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, the rides in the Creepy Carnival, and the attractions in "The Boneyard” section, featuring the Black Hole, 3-D maze, and the “Freaky Forest."
Click here for more information

October 11th

Boone Heritage Festival
The Valle Country Fair is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color season. All monies raised go to fund High Country organizations which serve people in need. Last year more than 10,000 people enjoyed.
Click here for more information

October 18th

Valle Country Fair
Enjoy a full day of celebrating Appalachian heritage with living history demonstrations, "yarn-spinners," music jams (bring your instrument!), and old-time and bluegrass music on stage. Learn flatfoot dancing!
Click here for more information

Woolly Worm Festival

October 18th – 19th
Back in the late 1970s, the editor of the now-defunct Mountain Living Magazine, Jim Morton, was preparing to include a Woolly Worm Forecast in the winter issue of the magazine. He photographed the first Woolly Worm he saw to use in formulating the prediction and illustrating his story, but the next day he saw a second worm that looked completely different from the!
Click here for more information

October 25th

Beary Scary Halloween at Grandfather Mountain
Celebrate Halloween early at Grandfather Mountain with a full day of crafts, nature programs, trick-or-treating in the animal habitats and a costume contest. Participate in an interactive program titled “Going Batty for Bats.” Children in costume enter park for half-price. Events are included with park admission.
Click here for more information

October 25th

Blowing Rock Halloween Festival
Enjoy air walks in Memorial Park, games & a Fun House in the Recreation Center for the Kids, Hay Rides through Blowing Rock, THE MONSTER MARCH, Trick or Treat, Costume Contest, Moonlight Scavenger hunt at Broyhill Lake.
Click here for more information

November 28th

Christmas in the Park & Lighting the town in Blowing Rock
Enjoy visits with Santa, hayrides through Blowing Rock, Free Hot Cider and Hot Chocolate.
Click here for more information

November 29th

Annual Thanksgiving Kiln Opening
Be present at 10:00 a.m. to watch us unload the wood kiln, and them make your selection. Items in the wood kiln will include work from Bolick’s and from Traditions. With face jugs such as Santas, wizards and cry babies, Rebekah pitchers, candlesticks, sculpted chickens, and other traditional wares. Food will be served. Free admission.
Click here for more information

A perfect blend of recreation, relaxation, and adventure! Call us toll free at 855-NC-Mountains.